MOMBASA, Kenya – Kenyans are being urged to exercise greater caution when shopping, as counterfeit cooking oil continues to flood the local markets, posing serious threats to public health, safety, and the economy.
On Monday, September 8, 2025, the Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA), in collaboration with a multi-agency team, successfully conducted a major enforcement intervention in Shimanzi, Mombasa, following the seizure of large consignments of suspected counterfeit cooking oil.
“The incident, widely reported in the media, has raised significant public health, safety, and consumer protection concerns, given that cooking oil is an essential household commodity in Kenya,” said ACA Director of Enforcement, Yussuf Ahmed Osman.
Yussuf observed that cooking oil is a vital consumer product with a direct impact on household nutrition and public health.
“The seized consignments pose serious health risks to the public, particularly given the likelihood of the oil being expired, adulterated, or processed under unsanitary conditions,” Yussuf said.
According to the Director, such products can result in long-term health complications for consumers and undermine public confidence in legitimate brands.
The operation, which was led by ACA as the primary enforcement body, was supported by key partner agencies, including the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), National Police Service (NPS), and County Enforcement Team.
Others were: Port Health Services, National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA), and the National Government Administration Officers under the Regional County Police Commissioner.
“This coordinated approach ensured the scene was secured and investigations were initiated immediately. During the raid, seven suspects were arrested at the crime scene and booked at Makupa Police Station,” Yussuf, who was present during the operation, further said.
Who is the main suspect behind the fake cooking oil
However, the suspects were later released on police bond pending arraignment in court within two weeks.
“The principal suspect, identified as Simon Kabiru, together with four accomplices—among them individuals named Sammy and Mohamud—escaped arrest but are currently being profiled and trailed by law enforcement for apprehension,” Yussuf added.
Yussuf disclosed that the operation uncovered significant quantities of counterfeit cooking oil packaged in various local brands, undermining the integrity of legitimate manufacturers.
A total of 13 brands were directly affected, including Vipingo Oil, Golden Drop, Zain, Nyota, Fresh Zait, Halisi Fry, Karaih, Salit, Akram, Zulfa, Tija, and Mfalme.
Items seized included:
• Several 20-litre jerricans of cooking oil (exact count still under audit),
• Fourteen trucks loaded with oil,
• Three drums of oil, and
• Numerous unquantified labels and packaging materials in a vehicle.
“The total estimated market value of the seized products stands at Sh100 million, underscoring the scale of economic loss to legitimate businesses and the potential risk posed to unsuspecting consumers,” said Yussuf.
Yussuf disclosed that the raid was the culmination of three months of intelligence-led surveillance coordinated between ACA, the National Intelligence Service (NIS), and DCI.
“Preliminary investigations reveal that the illicit activity is driven by a well-coordinated syndicate of businesspersons who specialise in the importation of expired cooking oil into Kenya,” he said.
How the suspects behind the syndicate operate
These individuals, Yussuf revealed they exploit weaknesses in importation channels and subsequently repackage or rebrand the products under local labels for distribution in the market.
“Early findings indicate the existence of a widespread distribution network, with one of the key distributors already traced to the Likoni area in Mombasa. Further investigations are ongoing to map out the full supply and distribution chain and identify financiers and facilitators of the network,” added the ACA Director.
Yussuf reiterated that ACA is also working closely with brand owners to verify the authenticity of the affected products and to quantify the extent of intellectual property infringements.
“Additionally, collaboration with the Kenya Industrial Property Institute (KIPI) is ongoing to validate and secure the legal standing of the intellectual property rights in question,” he added.
Yussuf announced that the illegal manufacturing facility, referred to as the “Shamba,” has been officially declared a crime scene.
What are the ACA’s plans moving forward
He maintained that investigators will conduct further searches within the premises, including locked offices, to secure documents, financial records, and accessories that may serve as crucial evidence in court.
“Efforts will also be intensified to arrest the principal suspect and his accomplices, dismantle the syndicate, and protect the rights of genuine manufacturers,” the Director explained.
As ACA puts its foot forward in the war on counterfeits, Yussuf insisted that the seizure at Shimanzi underscores the scale and sophistication of counterfeit trade in essential commodities, posing both economic and public health threats.
Yussuf observed that it also highlights the importance of multi-agency collaboration in enforcement interventions.
The ACA, Yussuf indicated that the state agency remains committed to protecting consumers and intellectual property rights holders by ensuring that counterfeit goods are removed from circulation and that perpetrators face the full force of the law.
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